Innovation in Language Learning

The cross-cultural competence can be defined as a complex psychological formation, capacity for productive communication between people belonging to different cultural traditions. To develop cross-cultural competence it is necessary to find its main components providing effective students’ interaction. These components can be communicative competence, cross-cultural sensitivity, social and cultural reflection and conflict management.

The model of cross-cultural competence based on such communicative skills development as reflective and non-reflective listening; resuming; rephrasing; questions asking. These communicative techniques contribute to social interaction skills formation and social contacts establishment.    

One of the main elements of cross-cultural competence is a type of man’s reaction on phenomena and events of other culture. In many research studies this component is termed as cross-cultural sensitivity. It is based on sociability conditioned by the capacity to form trusting relationships during communication; by precise orientation in interactions; by readiness to understand an interlocutor.

Cross-cultural social sensitivity formation is assigned by the development of competence of observation and understanding the partner of interaction as a representative of ethnic group but a personality with individual characteristics as well. Empathy is one of the indicators of cross-cultural sensitivity.     

The development of social reflection is one of the significant stages of cross-cultural competence formation. The reflection as the process of constant inner dialogue results in better self-determination. Cultural reflection is conditioned by respect to own culture and its deep learning and understanding.    

Conflict management is provided by the development of such skills as cooperation and conflict resolution that allow the partners of interaction really meet peoples’ particular needs, reflect one’s interests and work out a solution the both parties agree on.

The main strategies of above-mentioned components development within cross-cultural students’ interaction and communication are active methods (group discussion, interview, brain-storming, role play) and socio-psychological training.